Google Pixel 11 rumored to feature real alternative to Apple's Face ID

Face ID might still the best facial recognition on the smartphone market eight years after its debut

Apple's Face ID on iPhone might still be the best facial recognition in the smartphone segment even after more than eight years. Google is reportedly working on a real alternative for Pixel smartphones and Chromebooks, as Project Toscana is supposedly to be as quick and reliable as Face ID.

Hannes Brecher (translated by Enrico Frahn), Published 02/17/2026 🇩🇪

Many Android smartphones can be unlocked with facial recognition, but most of them only rely on the selfie camera. That results in lower security because the face cannot be scanned in 3D. It also makes facial recognition dependent on ambient light, and in low light it often works more slowly or not at all.

Face ID on the Apple iPhone 17 instead uses an infrared projector and an infrared camera to scan the face in 3D. With its built-in light source, this usually works quickly and reliably regardless of ambient light. With that said, Android Authority has now learned that Google is currently testing an alternative to Face ID that is just as fast and reliable.

Face ID uses an infrared projector and sensor to capture a face in 3D

Unlike Face ID or the Pixel 4’s Soli radar system, this new technology apparently works with a simple punch-hole in the display. The technology internally called “Project Toscana is reportedly already in beta testing, which suggests that the development is fairly advanced. Technical details are not yet available. However, it is possible that Google could utilize an infrared projector that’s invisibly integrated into the OLED display, which would be a similar approach to Face ID.

Alternatively, Google could revive the Pixel 4’s radar system, this time integrating it into the display. According to Android Authority, this improved facial recognition could debut with the Google Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro later this year. A version for Chromebooks is also rumored but might not launch before 2026.

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Android Authority

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Editor of the original article: Hannes Brecher - Senior Tech Writer - 19912 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2018

Since 2009 I have written for different publications with a focus on consumer electronics. I joined the Notebookcheck news team in 2018 and have combined my many years of experience with laptops and smartphones with my lifelong passion for technology to create informative content for our readers about new developments in this sphere. In addition, my design background as an art director at an ad agency has allowed me to have deeper insights into the peculiarities of this industry.

contact me via: @HannesBrecher, LinkedIn, Xing

Translator: Enrico Frahn - Managing Editor Accessory Reviews, Tech Writer - 6358 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2021

My fascination for technology goes back a long way to the Pentium II era. Modding, overclocking and treasuring computer hardware has since become an integral part of my life. As a student, I further developed a keen interest in mobile technologies that can make the stressful college life so much easier. After I fell in love with the creation of digital content while working in a marketing position, I now scour the web to bring you the most exciting topics in the world of tech. Outside the office, I’m particularly passionate about motorsports and mountain biking.

contact me via: LinkedIn

> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2026 02 > Google Pixel 11 rumored to feature real alternative to Apple's Face ID

Hannes Brecher, 2026-02-17 (Update: 2026-02-17)

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